Henry Marvin Ancell, 84, passed peacefully at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita on December 2, 2016. Henry was a lifelong farmer, and additionally had owned a tire store and machine shop in Wellington. Henry was born in Wellington on September 8, 1932 to George Carson Ancell and Rosa Jane (Love) Ancell. Henry grew up at Stoney Castle south of town and helped with daily chores on the farm. It was on this farm that he developed his love for nature and animals.
Henry graduated from Wellington High School in 1951. He was drafted in 1953. Later that year, he married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Wilson. After Army Basic Training, Henry was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and served as a Staff Sergeant. He taught infantrymen how to operate the teletype communications equipment used in combat. Henry was honorably discharged from the service in 1955, and returned to live in Wellington.
Henry was always a great provider to his family, and a doting father--even after long days of working at more than one job. In addition to wheat farming, he had worked over the years for the local International Harvester dealer, three machine shops, Montgomery Ward and Rusk Brothers. In 1963, he was picked to open a Firestone dealership-- Henry's Tire Service--which he owned for several years. In the 1980s, he operated his own machine shop.
Henry never met a stranger, and was known for his wry sense of humor. He also was very mechanically inclined which allowed him to perform a wide variety of tasks--including CNC machine operator, house mover, Caterpillar operator, over-the-road truck driver, steam engine and thrasher rebuilder, farm equipment and auto repairer among others. Henry was an endless resource for anyone who asked for his problem solving skills. He was devoutly loyal to the Farm-all/International Harvester brand, and collected both big and small toys throughout his adult life. He loved his farming, family and God.
Henry lived a long and fruitful life, but had to deal with failing health in his later years. A man of faith, it was time for Henry to pass on to the afterlife. Henry was preceded in death by his mother and father; and Jack, Floyd and William Raymond Ancell, his brothers. He is survived by Joyce, his wife of 63 years; and Kathy and Bob McCreary, his daughter and son-in-law. Also, his brothers Jon and Francis Ancell; his sister, Margaret Hain; sister-in-law, Frances McAfee; and many nieces, nephews, and life-long friends.
Visitation will be held at Frank Funeral Home in Wellington, KS on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 from 1:00 – 8:00 P.M. The family will greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M.
Funeral services will be held at the First Free Will Baptist Church on Thursday, December 8, 2016, at 11:00 A.M., followed by graveside services at Prairie Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the American Diabetes Association.
Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.